Hate crime

The Home Office defines a hate crime as a crime committed against someone because of their disability, gender identity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.

Hate crimes can include:

threatening behaviour

assault

robbery

damage to property

inciting others to commit hate crimes

harassment

Reporting a hate crime

In an emergency, where life is in danger or a crime is in progress, call 999.

You can report the incident at your local police station or call Staffordshire Police on the non-emergency number 101.

You can also contact Victim Support, which is an independent national charity where staff and volunteers are trained to provide emotional support and practical assistance. Anyone affected by crime can contact Victim Support for help, regardless of whether they have reported the crime to the police or how long ago the crime took place. Victim Support line: 0808 1689111, www.victimsupport.org.uk.

CACH is an organisation set up in Staffordshire to help victims of hate crimes and incidents. If you have experienced a hate crime or hate incident please contact CACH using the report form on their website www.cachpartnership.org.uk or call 0797 149 7988.